MCKINNEY — Tony Romo’s goal to advance to the sectional qualifier for the
U.S. Open died on a windswept Monday.

The Cowboys quarterback shot a 9-over-par 81 at Stonebridge Ranch Country
Club to finish in a tie for 44th. Only the top 10 finishers advanced to the
qualifier to be held at the Dallas Athletic Club on June 6.

“It’s just frustrating with the score, but I hit the ball solid,” Romo said.
“I haven’t played that much lately anyways, so I wasn’t expecting too much.

“The golf course is probably the toughest in the area, but when you add the
USGA with their greens and some of the pin placements, then add to that the
wind, it was a monster today. It was as tough as I’ve seen it out here.”

Romo struggled from the start with bogeys on the first two holes. He picked
up his only birdie on the par-5 seventh but came back on the next hole with a
double-bogey 5 after his tee shot flew the green and landed in foot-high
rough.

Romo was still in contention for a spot until his tee shot went out of bounds
to the right on No. 15. His approach hit short and his first chip landed on the
green and rolled back. He finished with a triple-bogey 7.

A year ago, Romo played well enough in the local U.S. Open qualifier to
advance to the sectional. He will not attempt to qualify for the HP Byron Nelson
Championship this year because it conflicts with his upcoming wedding.

“Well, any time you don’t get through it’s disappointing, but this isn’t
football,” Romo said of Monday’s result. “I’m a lot more emotional when it comes
to football games.

“This one, you pick out where you need to get better at and try that the next
time.”

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